TRACY — The humble roots of the United States Marine Corps can be traced back to a small bar in Philadelphia by the name of Tun Tavern.

The year was November 1775, Congress had just authorized the formation of two battalions that would serve aboard the young country’s growing naval fleet.

The first mission for the men who heeded the call that afternoon would be a trip to the Bahamas, where they were to capture desperately needed ammunition from the British.

The mission was a success, and the “always faithful” tradition of the Marine Corps was born.

Semper Fidelis.

On Monday the American Legion James McDermott Post 172 of Tracy will be celebrating the 230th anniversary of the Marine Corps, with a special dinner and ceremony that honors at once the past and the future.

The celebration is open to all former marines, whether they are members of the post or not.

“We usually have a barbecue the first Monday of the month, but being so close to the anniversary of the Corps, we wanted to do something special this year,” said Post Commander John Treantos.

“We have an expression in the Corps,” Treantos said. “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”

Immediately following Monday night’s dinner, Treantos said a large cake will be brought into the room, and a familiar ceremony will be begin.

“First we will read the orders from 1921, which set up the process of celebrating Nov. 10 as the anniversary of the Marines,” he said. “We will then read a statement from current head of the Marines, commemorating the anniversary.”

From there a saber will be used to cut the first piece of cake, which will be delivered to the guest of honor, which in this case is a former Marine colonel who lives in Tracy.

“He will take a bite, and declare the cake fit to eat,” Treantos said. “We will then cut another piece of cake, that will be placed on a plate, with two forks.”

The oldest and youngest members present will then take a bite from opposite ends of the cake.

“This is a symbolic passing of tradition from the oldest to the youngest,” Treantos said.

When asked if there was a difference between modern day Marines and those of years past, Treantos said “absolutely not.”

“There is no difference, the loyalty to the Corps is still there,” he said. “It still is all about courage, honor and commitment.”

Treantos said he still gives the same advice to young people that ask him about joining the Marines.

“I tell them, if you want to grow up real fast, that is the place to do it,” he said. “You survive that, and you have done something that not a lot of other people can do.”

Otto Warmbier was arrested in January 2016 at the end of a brief tourist visit to North Korea. He had been medically evacuated and was being treated at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center when he died at age 22.